During a hearing before the Congressional-Executive Commission of China, the families of four Americans detained in China described their physical and mental suffering, urging the U.S. government to do more to bring them home. There are around 200 Americans detained in China, with two considered “wrongfully detained” by the State Department. The families highlighted the use of “exit bans” and called for their loved ones’ release. Reps. Chris Smith and Jeff Merkley asked President Biden to advocate for their release and meet with affected families. Detained Americans, including Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Michelle Hunt, have faced harsh conditions, with declining health and diminishing hope. Widespread hope arose with the surprise release of American pastor David Lin, who was detained for nearly 20 years. The families of the detained Americans emphasized the need for increased attention to their cases to secure their release. There is a lack of a bilateral prisoner transfer agreement between the U.S. and China, complicating efforts to bring detainees home. Wells Jr.’s and Hunt’s families are pushing for their cases to be reviewed under a 2018 change to Chinese law allowing for the transfer of certain prisoners on medical or compassionate grounds. The families are seeking to keep their loved ones positive in the face of adversity and hope for their release soon.
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Pastor’s release sparks optimism for other Americans detained in China
